This is the seventh in a series where notable Glentoran players of the past name the team they would pick from the players they played alongside during their careers in the Irish League.
7. MICHAEL HALLIDAY
(Played 2000-2010)
This latest dream team is from a player who really epitomised the term “big game player”. They don’t come any bigger than Irish Cup Final winning goals and Michael Halliday did that not once but twice - against Linfield and Coleraine.
Michael, a local lad and Glentoran supporter, joined Glentoran from East Belfast, making his debut towards the end of the 1999/2000 season. Signed as a midfielder, Roy Coyle soon converted him to centre forward and over the next ten years he made 468 appearances, scoring 141 goals. He won fifteen winners medals, including three league titles and two Irish Cups.
In a success laden decade, it’s no surprise that Michael has picked a very strong team.
Elliott Morris (Goalkeeper)
His first game against Wisla Krakow was one of the best displays I’ve seen from a goalkeeper. I was sure he would be back in England soon but thankfully for us that never happened. Great guy although better watch him as most wives seem to have a thing for him….. I just don’t see what it is.
Colin Nixon (Right Back)
Only right back I ever played with as he was there when I arrived and was there when I left. That’s not to say he wasn’t a great player because he certainly was. Formed a great partnership down the right and double act on the bus with Tim McCann. Still haven’t worked out what was wrong with his wrist/hand that required a bandage for 15 years.
Mark Glendinning (Left Back)
Hard as Nails and a magnet for the ball. Had the opportunity of a 50/50 with him once when he played for Glenavon. I respectfully passed. His goal scoring record for a full back would put most strikers to shame. Think he ended on 99 but he could still play as he’s in some shape, so he may still reach 100.
Paul Leeman (Centre Half)
I know he started in midfield, but I thought he played his best at centre half. Was a great leader and organiser who made defending look easy and effortless. My kids still call him “The Captain” but I’m pretty sure that’s a reference to a dodgy Jack Sparrow outfit he wore at Halloween and nothing to do with Football. Pretty handy with a guitar as well for those longer road trips.
Gary Smyth (Centre Half)
The most graceful runner I’ve ever seen. Known as the gazelle by some. Great left football and always likely to score from set pieces, either hitting them or heading them. Along with Leeper they formed a great partnership and gave opposing strikers a terrible time.
Tim McCann (Right Midfield)
The other Half of Statler and Waldorf. Best winger I played with for the simple reason you always knew when he was going to cross the ball. He didn’t have to beat guys 2, 3 or 4 times he just put it into the box when he got the space to. Affectionately known to some as “Monkey Nut” and another one who fancies themselves with a mic in his hand but to be fair he wasn’t a bad chanter either.
Scott Young (Midfield)
The wee man needed subtitles especially in big games when his speech got more excitable, colourful, louder, and faster but he was a fantastically creative player that scored his fair share of goals. Adopted son of East Belfast it was a real shame the injuries cut his career short. The way he battled back from each leg break was inspirational and told you everything you needed to know about him.
Darren Lockhart (Midfield)
Locky without a doubt threw the best elbow in the Irish League. An extremely combative midfielder but the man could play. Scored loads of goals as well as needling opposing midfielders. His personal battles with Mickey Collins offered some great MMA moments down the years. In his 7 years at the Glens he managed to play the same amount of games as some players would in 1 season but that was due to his season ticket to John Weatherup’s office. I think John even got a plaque and named the Physio table in Darren’s Honour.
Rory Hamill (Midfield)
Rory was just a fantastic player who I would have to have in my team. He was as strong as a bull and great off both feet. Another that needed a translator….man. Funny guy with the quickest comebacks and some of his one liners I have to admit to using on occasion.
Gary Hamilton (Striker)
Gary did things that I could only dream of doing. Some of the goals he scored where ridiculous and I wouldn’t be able to pull them off in the latest FIFA game. Very knowledgeable about the game but hard to find in the changing room at half time through all the smoke.
Chris Morgan (Striker)
Chris was someone I found it easy to play with as he seemed to compliment my game. Couldn’t believe Linfield let him go but he had some great years at the Oval and when you have a day named after you that’s when you know you’ve arrived.
Subs
Chris Walker
Loved this big man. Heart on his sleeve character who loved the Glens. If I was playing with 3 at the back he’d be in all day long.
Shaun Holmes
Quality left foot and could play anywhere down the left side.
Pete Batey
The enforcer that allowed Scotty to be so creative but could still play. In a different formation Pete would be starting.
Michael O’Neill
Only had one year at the club but we nearly won everything going. A lot of that was down to Michael’s ability and the professionalism he brought with him.
Darren Armour
The man I was most glad to have as a team mate and not in the opposition. Darren would kick you just as hard in training to score a goal as he did on a Saturday.
Andy Smith
When you score 40 goals plus in a season you did something right. Andy was the Energiser Bunny living off about 3 hours sleep a night but he made my life easier as he would run past me to close down defenders.